Automakers strive to build reliable vehicles, but sometimes things get missed. Before they become a safety issue, a recall to repair the problem may get sent out.
How many recalls were issued for Ford latch problems?
As of August 2020, there’s only one related to improperly designed latches that can cause the doors to open without warning.
By the end of this article, you’ll know everything you need to know about this Ford door latch recall, including how to get it fixed for free.
Door May Come Unlatched and Open Up While Driving
NHTSA Recall ID: 20V331000
The vehicle’s doors are designed to remain closed until deliberately opened by a driver or passenger. Doors that stay firmly closed help protect the occupant and the vehicle from harm on the road or items getting into the vehicle.
Without properly shutting doors, vehicle occupants could be harmed, and there’s a serious risk of injury.
Several Ford vehicles were involved in this recall, all of which were manufactured from 2011 to 2015. The recall affects the door latches of the 2011–2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, and 2014-2016 Transit Connect vehicles.
A door that comes unlatched and opens while the vehicle is in motion could damage the vehicle and cause serious or even fatal injury to the driver or passengers. There were two previous recalls on these door latches for the same issue. The repairs were either completed improperly or not completed at all.
The dealer will repair or replace the doors latches on the affected vehicles to ensure the doors remained tightly closed until opened by a driver or passenger.
How to Address a Ford Latch Recall
If you aren’t sure about a latch recall on your Ford vehicle, you can visit the NHTSA on their website and put your VIN into the search box. If you don’t have the VIN handy, you can search with your vehicle’s year, make and model to find any listed recalls that need to be taken care of.
When there’s a recall for your vehicle, you can call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332, so you can find out about the next steps. You’ll learn where you should take your vehicle, along with what the recall process is like and what you can expect.
